Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese (Print-Friendly Version)
Sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken tops cheesy mac with bacon for a comforting, flavorful dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
450 g spiral pasta
→ Protein
02 -
700 g breaded chicken strips
03 -
5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
→ Seasonings and Garnishes
04 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
05 -
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
→ Honey Pepper Sauce
06 -
180 ml honey
07 -
55 g light brown sugar
08 -
45 ml low sodium soy sauce
09 -
60 ml pineapple juice
10 -
Juice of 1 lemon
11 -
15 ml vinegar
12 -
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
13 -
0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
→ Cheese Sauce
14 -
113 g unsalted butter
15 -
475 ml heavy cream
16 -
50 g shredded Parmesan cheese
17 -
100 g freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
18 -
85 g freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese
19 -
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
# How to Make It:
01 -
Cook breaded chicken strips according to package instructions by either baking or frying until fully heated through. Set aside and keep warm.
02 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spiral pasta and cook until al dente following package directions. Drain well and reserve.
03 -
In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
04 -
Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Pour in heavy cream and stir until well blended. Gradually incorporate Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheese, mixing until fully melted and the sauce is silky. Add minced garlic and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
05 -
Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce, tossing to ensure even coating. Fold in crumbled bacon for additional flavor.
06 -
Dip cooked chicken strips into the honey pepper sauce, turning to coat evenly.
07 -
Serve creamy macaroni in bowls or on plates. Top with honey pepper chicken strips and garnish generously with fresh basil leaves. Add extra crumbled bacon if desired.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken elevates classic mac and cheese with a unique contrast in flavors.
02 -
A trio of cheeses—Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack—delivers a rich, creamy sauce with depth and stretch.